Item Name Generator

In stories, there are thousands of background objects: kettles, cars, computers, and rings. Not all objects require a name. But when authors do name an object, it signals to readers that the item is significant.

Real World Items feel Familiar

Whether we are looking at a cosy romance with new brews of tea, or a domestic tech thriller, when an item exists in a real world-like story, it needs to feel familiar to the reader.

Fiction writers can borrow from real world trends when inventing their own brands. The cosy tea shop might name brews for different aristocrats, the domestic tech thriller taking the founders name, or a pun to give credence to the inventions.

Sci-Fi items invoke Tech and Science

It can be harder to name items set hundreds or thousands in the future. Without the hindsight of language patterns, writers need to project changes forward. Acronyms (e.g. TARDIS), and technical prefixes/suffixes (nano-, -tron, -izer) lend to a futuristic vibe.

Many sci-fi items are also named using Greek or Latin roots, which help them feel separate from everyday language. Real science already works this way; the telephone comes from the Greek tele (far) and phone (voice).

Fantasy items are influenced by language

Fantasy weapons, magical items, and even foods are often inspired by conlangs or ancient languages. It isn’t just Tolkein. Paolini’s Inheritance Cycle bases its Ancient Language in Norse, and The Witcher’s Elder speech takes inspiration from multiple languages including Welsh and Irish.

The sound of an item’s name also matters in fantasy. Harsh consonants feel more aggressive, and might be attributed to war-based cultures, whereas soft sounds and flowing vowels sound fitting in noble species. Playing on these stereotypes allows authors to make words that ‘sound right’ to the reader.

When the fantasy world shares similarities with our own, the naming conventions shift to more familiar terms. Latin terms might be merged with modern words, or common terms given new meanings.